TORONTO (Oct. 28) — The shoulder ailment that could sideline Auston Matthews for an appreciable term may prompt fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs to wonder if a career pattern has beset their best player. After all, Matthews sat out… Read More

Twenty–four years after trading for a guy named Sundin at the 1994 NHL Draft in Hartford, the Leafs chose a guy named Sandin Friday night in Dallas. Will Rasmus turn out anything close to Mats? In the meantime…
TORONTO (June… Read More

TORONTO (May 27) — After 100 years in the National Hockey League, the Toronto Maple Leafs are affiliated with numerous dates on the Gregorian calendar. Among the 10 most significant:
• Feb. 14 — 1927 — Conn Smythe changes the… Read More

TORONTO (May 12) — The headline to this blog should provide abounding impetus for readers to put money on a Pittsburgh–Anaheim clash in the 2017 Stanley Cup final. Not that my playoff picks have been a total embarrassment, mind you.… Read More

TORONTO (Apr. 21) — The professional sports vibe in this city is not quite as radiant as a few days ago.
The Raptors were annihilated at Milwaukee in Game 3 of their NBA playoff last night; the Blue Jays fell… Read More

TORONTO (Apr. 16) — As is common in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Maple Leafs–Washington series will likely be determined by goaltending. And, there is virtually nothing to choose from between Frederik Andersen and Braden Holtby after two games —… Read More

TORONTO (Apr. 29) — The Calgary Flames have sent their Irish good–luck charm to our town in an arcane attempt to wrest the 2016 National Hockey League draft lottery from the “favored” Toronto Maple Leafs.
His name? Brian Burke. And,… Read More

Who is

Howard Berger

Hockey/baseball reporter at THE FAN-590 for 23 years (1988-2011), and original from September 1992 launch of Canada’s first all-sports radio station. Covered Toronto Blue Jays 1992 and 1993 World Series victories. Started with Leafs full time in 1994. Enjoying life with my family (kids Shane and Lauren).